Making it clear that illegal constructions that have mushroomed in the city will face the axe, new chief of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Vikas Deshmukh said that he would strictly act against such structures, without tolerating any type of political pressure. Deshmukh took over charge on Monday from predecessor Mahesh Pathak.

Change of guard: Former collector Vikas Deshmukh (left) took over from Mahesh Pathak as the new civic chief on Monday. Pic/Mohan Patil

As neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad’s recently transferred civic chief Shrikar Pardeshi was famed for his stern action against illegal constructions in his jurisdiction, Deshmukh, who was previously collector of Pune district, had to clear his stand on the anti- encroachment drive within hours of joining his new office.

“While working as a collector, despite having shortage of manpower, I felled 24 buildings in Ambegaon and Katraj. Now, as PMC has all the required infrastructure and labour force to run the drive, I will not give any protection to illegal buildings in the city,” Deshmukh said.

When asked how he would deal with politicians interfering, he said, “If I will continue to work according to rules; political pressure will not affect me.”

After taking charge, Deshmukh has done a department-wise review. He also attended the standing committee meeting.

24No of illegal buildings in Ambegaon and Katraj that Vikas Deshmukh reportedly knocked down during his tenure as distrcit collector